Mouthguards Sports - shermandentistinshermantx

Mouthguards (Sports)

Children, teenagers, and adults who participate in sports should invest in a mouthguard to protect their teeth, soft oral tissues, and mouth as a whole. Mouthguards provide protection in the event of a fall, blow or injury to the mouth. The mouthguard for sports is a soft protective plastic dental appliance worn during those sporting activities.

At HomeTown Dental at Sherman we offer protective solutions for patients of all ages. Those who have traditional braces are, in particular, at an increased risk of injury.

How Mouthguards Work

Protective mouthguards also referred to as sports guards, are slipped over the teeth when individuals are about to take part in an activity or sport that could potentially risk an injury to the mouth. The dental device provides protection for the inside of the mouth, including lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks in the event that there is an impact on the face. Quite often, these soft tissues can sustain serious lacerations from the teeth if there is a fall or a direct blow to the face.

Any sport played that comes with an increased risk for falls, body contact, or equipment that could cause injury should have the athletes wearing a mouthguard. This may include wrestling, football, baseball, or hockey. Athletes of all ages who have fixed braces should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and braces.

Wearing Your Mouthguard

The majority of sports guards are designed to be worn over the upper teeth. Those who have traditional metal braces should wear a mouthguard on both the upper and lower jaw, for the best protection.

Mouthguards will fit comfortably over your teeth. They will stay in place, protecting your teeth, until the end of the game. Custom-made mouthguards should fit comfortably, and should not restrict your ability to speak and breathe with ease.

Over-The-Counter Versus Custom-Made Mouthguards

The sports guard that you wear should be durable and give you the best in a comfortable fit. There are a number of options for athletes to consider, including stock mouthguards, boil and shape guards, and custom-made mouthguards.

Over-the-counter mouthguard options include stock mouthguards that can be found in abundance at many stores selling sporting goods. These pre-formed devices are ready to be worn right away, but they will not give the wearer the best in a comfortable fit. Boil and shape sports guards are another option to consider, they will give a better fit for the wearer than the stock mouthguards do, but it is not going to be quite as comfortable as the custom options will be.

How Often Should Mouthguards Be Replaced?

It is recommended that athletes replace sports mouthguards at the end of each season. Mouthguards will become worn, through routine use, meaning it can decrease their effectiveness. Parents of children and adolescents, in particular, should ensure that mouthguards are replaced every six months, as mouths can undergo significant growth changes in this period. At your professional cleaning or routine checkup, every six months, you should mention that it is time to invest in a new mouthguard.

Protect teeth and soft tissues inside of the mouth from damage and trauma, with a custom-fit mouthguard. Reach out to HomeTown Dental at Sherman to schedule your consultation by calling (903) 224-7057